Kitchen Lighting
The kitchen is primarily a work area, but it is also a gathering place for family and friends. Lighting that is comfortable as well as functional is required.
A large ceiling fitting, equipped with energy-efficient fluorescent tubes will supply plenty of well-diffused general lighting. This fitting can be supplemented by additional task lighting to optimise lighting conditions around the sink, cooker and worktops.
At the sink and cooker, recessed down lights equipped with an energy-efficient compact fluorescent tube, will provide you with adequate task lighting when installed in the ceiling or in the soffit over these two busy work areas.
Under cabinet lighting is ideal for worktops. Mount as close to the front of the cabinets as possible to avoid glare reflecting off work surfaces. Choose energy-efficient fluorescent fixtures or LEDs (they generally range from 300 to 900mm long) that cover at least two-thirds the length of the worktop.
Breakfast bars and island counters can be lighted with decorative pendants. These ceiling-hung fixtures will provide you with adequate task lighting for homework, hobbies, or family business as well as light for dining and entertaining.
Bathroom Lighting
In the bathroom, you need plenty of even, shadow-free lighting for shaving, grooming, and applying make-up.
General lighting can be provided for by a ceiling fixture, supplemented by mirror lights. In smaller bathrooms mirror lights may be sufficient to illuminate the entire room.
For small mirrors, decorative wall brackets on each side will illuminate both sides of your face evenly. You can also mount a wall bracket across the top of the mirror. Fixtures equipped with energy efficient bulbs behind glass or plastic diffusers provide the most flattering light.
Dining Room
Dining room lighting should be both beautiful and functional. This requires a mix of general, task, and accent lighting that can set the mood for a number of functions, including a formal dinner, a family get-together, and other activities such as homework or study. Dimming controls will enable you to vary the light for each occasion (see lighting accessories).
A chandelier can be used as the focal point of the dining room. Suspended over the dining table, it serves as a decorative style element that enhances the beauty of your furnishings. When the light is dimmed, a soft, glowing atmosphere similar to candlelight is created. A sideboard or cabinet can also be flanked with wall lights on either side. These fixtures can complement the style of your main fitting or chandelier.
Living Room
The lighting in a living , family or sitting room should be considerate to the variety of activities that occur there. Included will be general lighting for entertaining and watching television and task lighting for reading or sewing. This can be supplemented by accent lighting for features and artwork.
General lighting can be provided by ceiling fixtures or chandeliers. Wall lights on each side of the fireplace are an attractive addition that draws attention to the fireplace area, while also providing general lighting for the living room.
Reading requires task lighting that comes from behind the reader's shoulder. This can be accomplished by placing a floor lamp either at the right or the left of the reading chair. The bottom of the shade should be located at eye level to avoid glare.
Paintings and artwork can be highlighted using horizontal picture lights. These lights spread a beam of bright, white light across the face of the painting.
Game tables require bright, even, overhead light. Shaded pendants equipped with energy efficient compact fluorescent tubes are ideal. Bars can be illuminated from above, using pendants that hover intimately above the counter top.
Bedroom Lighting
When lighting a bedroom, you will want to create an overall atmosphere of quiet relaxation, while providing some bright spots for reading and other activities. A combination of general and task lighting that takes into account the age and lifestyle of the occupants is needed. Dimming controls can give you the flexibility to vary the light to suit different moods and activities.
General lighting can be provided by ceiling fixtures, chandeliers or wall lights, giving you the illumination you need for general activities.
Task lighting can be utilised in specific areas such as at dressing tables where mirror lighting can provide ideal lighting for grooming and applying make-up.
Other Areas
In the entrance foyer, general lighting is needed to welcome guests and assure safe passage. This can be furnished by an elegant ceiling fixture that emits a generous spread of light. If more light is needed, consider placing matching wall lights on either side of a foyer mirror.
Hallways should be illuminated every 3 - 4 meters for safety. You can accomplish this with ceiling fixtures or wall lights.
Stairs should be lighted from top to bottom to prevent accidents, with switches at both ends for convenience. If hall and foyer fixtures do not illuminate the entire stairway, you can install a chain hung or ceiling fixture above the top step.
Utility/laundry areas need plenty of well-diffused general lighting for sorting and spotting laundry, measuring detergent, and setting dials. A large ceiling fixture with energy-efficient fluorescent tubes should do the job. Warm white tones will provide the best all-around colour rendition.